SolidWorks is a 3D modeling software application based on a concept known as “solid modeling” that uses principles of mathematics and geometry to create 3D concepts and models. It is often used in video game engines to help build a game from scratch.
Below, we’ll give you some insight into what the software is and what it can be used for. We’ll also list some of the best SolidWorks courses and resources to help you learn all about this top application.
What Is SolidWorks?
If you know anything about 3D design, you have probably heard of the program AutoCAD and the concept of computer-aided design. This is the process of designing, modifying, and analyzing 3D objects to make them look real.
This 3D software is essential in product development industries. It is used by architects, animators, 3D graphic designers, and web designers alike. It is very similar to other 3D modeling software, like SketchUp, and is used to create video game graphics, and enhance architectural plans. If you are interested in 3D modeling, you may also choose to learn SketchUp.
What Is SolidWorks Used For?
SolidWorks can be used in any industry that requires products to be digitally modeled and developed. It can be used in robotics, computer electronics, and smartphones.
It is one of the most popular solid modeling, computer-aided design and engineering programs for those who want to become a software engineer.
It can be used for planning, visual ideation, modeling, and prototyping a product, as well as project management. After these initial steps in product creation, the program can also be used for design work and building electrical and mechanical software elements.
Which Types of Jobs Use SolidWorks?
If you plan to learn this software, you should already be planning which industry or SolidWorks career you would like to pursue. To give you an idea, below are three of the common sectors that use SolidWorks for their projects.
- Drafting. Drafters use this program to create 2D and 3D drawings. After engineers put together blueprints and assembly drawings, SolidWorks can be used to complete a model. Mechanical, civil, electrical, and architectural drafters also use it to test real-world scenarios with 3D simulations.
- Engineering. SolidWorks is in high demand in most engineering industries, especially if you are studying for a mechanical engineering degree. It will help you produce detailed designs to create mechanical products and systems. It is also taught to budding civil engineers.
- Design. As a designer, one of your main tasks is to turn visual interpretations of a project into a 3D rendering, a task SolidWorks is well-suited for. The software can also be used to create designs to show clients the exterior or interior of a product, and the 3D model can then be adjusted to meet their needs. For example, interior designers also use it to create visual spaces, so you may learn it if you are completing an interior design course.
SolidWorks Design Skills
If you want to become a SolidWorks designer, you will need to learn a particular set of skills. Let’s review some of them below.
SolidWorks Designer Responsibilities
First, let’s look at the duties of a SolidWorks design professional. If you use SolidWorks, you will have to create models, visual renderings, and blueprints. You will also constantly be making improvements to your existing designs by working with other departments.
Creating a visual model of a design is the primary task of a SolidWorks designer.
Soft Skills
There are certain soft skills you will need to use this software successfully. You will need to have sharp analytical skills, curiosity, and a creative streak. A professional SolidWorks designer is focused, enjoys collaborative projects, and has strong teamwork skills.
Hard Skills
There are several hard skills you will need to succeed with SolidWorks, such as:
- Proficiency in MS Office and Adobe programs
- Proficiency in creating 2D design models in AutoCAD
- Ability to create parts, design tables, assemblies, and drawings
- Familiarity with engineering processes such as ECR, revisions, and change orders
Learning SolidWorks
You can’t pursue a college degree specifically in SolidWorks, but sometimes it is an add-on course within an existing degree. Alternatively, you can also learn it through an online course or training program.
The best thing about learning SolidWorks is that you can customize your skill set based on whether you want to learn the program as a stand-alone skill or along with a related degree.
How Long Does It Take to Learn SolidWorks?
There is no set answer to how long it will take you to learn SolidWorks. It depends on how much time you are willing to put into it, and the relevant background knowledge you possess. Some of the courses that you can sign up for have set start and end dates if you would prefer to study with a more structured time frame.
How to Learn SolidWorks: Step-by-Step
Creating your very own personalized learning plan is the best way to learn anything new. If you are working full time, you may need to put in time in the evenings or on weekends. Unless you are extremely disciplined, the most straight-forward option is to take a short training course. Following the steps listed below is a good way to start.
- Purchase and install the program. If you are serious about learning, the SolidWorks website has software for you to purchase. You can also request a demo if you would prefer to take a free trial. To learn how to use the software correctly, you should first purchase it.
- Familiarize yourself. If you have never worked with 3D design software before, it may be slightly intimidating to maneuver around the new platform. Take it in small steps, playing around with new designs every day. Try to model small objects you find around the house.
- Get practicing. Once you get the hang of all the functionalities and tools, build something from scratch, no matter how simple. Continuously model everyday objects until it becomes second nature.
- Watch online tutorials. Luckily, the SolidWorks software comes with built-in tutorials that you can watch as you practice. There are videos on basic drawing, revolving and sweeping movements, basic part modeling, molding designs, and casted parts.
- Join an online course. Finally, you should join an online course taught by a professional, or attend a design bootcamp to help you gain a holistic understanding of design elements. Get used to all the resources that are available to help you as you learn at your own pace.
The Best SolidWorks Courses and Training
Do you prefer face-to-face classroom training? Or would you rather take a more casual approach to learning by joining a free online course or training? Whatever your learning style, there are plenty of options to choose from when learning SolidWorks. We will mention a few of the best ones below.
Best In-Person SolidWorks Classes
Learning how to use SolidWorks tools efficiently is a matter of knowing where to begin and how to achieve the desired result. This can mostly be done when joining an in-person class where you can be shown how it’s done in a real-time training class.
SolidWorks Classroom Training
- Type: Video lessons/instructor-led classes
- Length: 2 to 4 days
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Varies
Learn from one of these courses offered by the creators of the program. SolidWorks offers classroom training as well as eCourses covering the essentials and more advanced CAM professional and API fundamentals. The courses will teach you how to perform design validation and evaluation, conduct product data management, and use CAD productivity tools.
Professional SolidWorks Training by goengineer
- Type: Online courses/instructor-led classes
- Length: 2 weeks/3 days per week
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Varies
This well-known establishment offers both basic and advanced professional SolidWorks training for every skill level. Geoengineer offers both holistic and specific training in a classroom setting. See the website for a calendar of dates for upcoming classes.
Best Online SolidWorks Courses
We have also included a few free and paid online courses for you to browse. If you are too busy to attend a course in person, you can study at your own pace by choosing one of the following
SolidWorks Online YouTube Tutorials
- Type: YouTube tutorials
- Length: January 1, 2021 – February 28, 2021 (8 weeks)
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $75
What better way to learn this software than from the creators? SolidWorks has its own YouTube channel with hundreds of online tutorials for you to look through and use for practice.
They will teach you all about special components of the program such as add-ons like SolidWorks cam. You can also learn SolidWorks’ electrical software, which helps simplify electrical system designs. SolidWorks also has a technical support team ready and waiting to help you with any questions.
3DExperiene World Recordings – A Thousand Hours of SolidWorks Content
- Course: 3DExperience World, 2021
- Length: February 8-11, 2021
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Varies
Do you want to learn everything there is to know about 3D printing? The 3DExperience World event is more than just a conference. It is intended for users of SolidWorks and industry partners. It includes thousands of training sessions that are recorded and uploaded online. All you need to do is register for the course to access the various bootcamps, sessions, and simulation classrooms.
Lynda.com
This website offers several SolidWorks training and courses. Learn techniques like basic drawing and the program’s tools suite in a matter of hours. Below are two of the best beginner courses.
SolidWorks: Drawings
- Type: Online course
- Length: 1hr 20 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
This course will teach beginners all the basic concepts of drawing using SolidWorks, including how to use, add and delete different views, including more complex views such as the auxiliary and crop angles. This is an ideal course for those who are just starting out and are curious to learn more.
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Learning SolidWorks
- Type: Online
- Length: 2 hours 29 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: Free
Master the basics of this program by learning the essential tools from an instructor who will help you get up to speed on how to sketch 2D parts, basic 2D parts modeling and the tools used for trimming and revolving models. You can also learn about how to build assemblies and drawings for manufacturers.
Udemy
The hand-picked Udemy Courses below will teach you a variety of subjects as you work toward becoming a SolidWorks professional. Packed with tons of resources, you will be sure to get your money’s worth in knowledge and skills.
Master Solidworks 2018 – 3D CAD using real-world examples
- Type: Online course
- Length: 11.5 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $45.99
This class taught by a SolidWorks product design engineer uses real-world examples to teach 3D printing and injection molding. You don’t need any prior knowledge of the software to sign up.
SolidWorks: Become a Certified Professional
- Type: Online course
- Length: 4 hours
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of SolidWorks and Microsoft Excel
- Price: $45.99
This class is for those who already use SolidWorks and want to upskill from an Associate level to a Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP). It teaches the basics and touches on how to draft and design complex models. The course includes a certification test at the end.
Best SolidWorks Books
Do you like learning the old-fashioned way? Software applications can also be learned through books. Check out these SolidWorks books listed below to get pointers on how to effectively use the software.
SOLIDWORKS 2018: A Power Guide for Beginners and Intermediate Users, Alejandro Reyes
This book is designed for use in instructor-led courses, but anyone can use it for self-paced learning. The book teaches engineers and designers how to create 3D mechanical designs. What better way to learn than from a classroom textbook? The book’s 14 chapters will each one will provide you with valuable information and skills.
Beginner’s Guide to SOLIDWORKS 2020 – Level I, Alejandro Reyes
This is a more up-to-date version of the book above, including video tutorials. It provides readers with knowledge of the basic concepts of SolidWorks and a guide to modeling techniques. If you are new to the program, this book is for you. By the time you’re finished reading, you will have a fairly good understanding of the interface.
Motion Simulation and Mechanism Design with SOLIDWORKS Motion 2016, Kuang-Hua Chang
This book is intended to help users get familiar with the concepts of motion and simulation, which are add-on modules to SolidWorks frameworks. Learn all about the basics of these two concepts while grasping common commands that will take you from novice to intermediate in no time.
SolidWorks Certifications
Getting certified in a new skill will look good on your CV and help you qualify for new, related skills as you learn them. Use these certification tests as benchmarks to measure your knowledge. Below is an example of the certifications offered by SolidWorks.
SolidWorks
SolidWorks offers many specialized certifications for beginners and more advanced users.
SolidWorks Expert – Mechanical Design
Prerequisites:
- SolidWorks 2015 or later
- CSWP certified
- Certified in at least four CSWP advanced topics
Length: 4 Hours
Minimum Passing Grade: 80%
Certification: All recipients will receive electronic certificates and a personal listing on the CSWE directory
This certification includes a digital badge issued by Acclaim on behalf of Dassault Systèmes after the successful completion of a test. Once you successfully pass the CSWP exam and any four of the other topics including drawing, molding, surfacing, or sheet metal, you gain a certificate of completion. Two examinations are offered, the expert level mechanical design and the expert level simulation.
Should You Study SolidWorks?
When looking at SolidWorks, it becomes apparent it is the ultimate program for any student looking to master everything from designing to drafting, and assembly to modeling.
There may be other mainstream engineering software options out there, but learning SolidWorks will give you leverage over your competitors because most major companies leaven toward this software over others.
If you want a career in designing and manufacturing, you will most likely have to deal with SolidWorks, so be sure to explore the courses mentioned above to master the application.
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